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Basset hound reclassified as 'category two' breed
basset hound
The reclassification will be reviewed in 12 months and in the meantime the breed's progress will continue to be monitored by the Kennel Club.
Kennel Club decision follows breed health efforts

The basset hound has been reclassified as a category two breed under the Kennel Club's Breed Watch scheme, which acts as a warning system for health concerns in individual dog breeds. Previously, basset hounds came under category three - a list of the breeds with the most serious identified conformational problems.

Taking effect on 1 January 2017, the reclassification means basset hounds who win 'best of breed' or their third challenge certificate will no longer require a veterinary health check at championship shows. The move follows a recommendation from the Kennel Club's Dog Health Group, which has been following the health of the breed.

This breed is the fourth to be removed from category three, leaving 11 breeds on the list.

Breed health co-ordinator Tina Watkins commented: "The Basset Hound Health Group is committed to working on the health of the breed, supporting research and health education. We are encouraged that these efforts have been recognised. The real work begins now and I am sure this will continue with the dedication developed within the breed to progress."

Kennel Club secretary, Caroline Kisko added: "We would like to commend the dedication, passion and commitment of those basset hound owners and exhibitors who have participated in the Basset Hound Health Scheme and other health testing.

"The basset hound clubs and their health group have worked hard to ensure their community have been involved in all health initiatives undertaken by the breed."

The reclassification will be reviewed in 12 months and in the meantime the breed's progress will continue to be monitored by the Kennel Club. The breed health co-ordinator will still be required to to submit a comprehensive annual report on the breed's health and judges must continue to submit mandatory health monitoring forms after each championship appointment.

The Kennel Club will also work with breed representatives on the development of the breed health and conservation plans.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.